British hostage David Bolam was released last week by Jeish-al Islam (Army of Islam) and reports have emerged that Bolam's family paid the ransom, resulting to concerns being raised that the money might be used by the group for further atrocities.  

However, the family of Bolam denied the reports as they pressed that the Foreign Office already warned them that paying the ransom will just fuel terrorism being spread by the said group.

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Bolam was reportedly released after a negotiation between Jeish-al Islam and the local officials of Libya. Bolam was freed days after the killing of the British hostage, Alan Henning, of the Islamic State of Iraq in the Levant (ISIL) militants also known as Daesh. 

Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond released a statement on Sunday but did not directly address the rumors, saying although they were glad that Bolam has been released, he noted that if a ransom was actually paid, it would just encourage the group to kidnap other people until it becomes a cycle.

Not paying ransoms will prevent millions from reaching these Islamic militants and that although this policy is sometime excruciating, it is recommended to be followed at all costs, Hammond noted.

British Prime Minister David Cameron also released a statement last month regarding the payment of ransoms, saying it would only give terrorist groups access to weapons and let them understand financing, which would be really dangerous.

Britain has been accused in the past of turning a blind eye to ransoms as it has been reported that Judith Tebbut was released back in 2012 from her Somalian captors by paying a certain amount to secure her safety. 

This is not the first time that issues about paying the ransoms demanded by terrorist groups have surfaced as it has been reported in the past that France, Spain, Germany, Italy and other countries have deposited money through private companies for the release of the hostages. 

Meanwhile, the family of Bolam has expressed their relief regarding the released of their father. Bolam's daughter, Stephanie, said his father was doing well and that they are happy he is back.

Bolam was the head teacher of the International School in Benghazi located at northern Libya and was kidnapped by the group last May while he was out shopping.

Bolam, 53, from Craven Arms, Shropshire, Britain, already evacuated the area in 2011 but chose to go back to re-establish the school when Colonel Muammar Gaddafi died.

TagsDavid Bolam, ransom, hostages, Libya, Jeish-al Islam, Army of Islam